English Profile

on · preposition

/ɔːn/Full view

on (SURFACE)

A1 on or onto a surface

Dictionary examples:

Ouch! You stepped on my foot.

I dropped my pen on the floor.

Look at all the books on your desk!

We put any medicines on a high shelf.

Your suitcase is on a shelf in the closet.

Learner example:

I can read the book, listen to music, watch TV or just sit on my sofa and drink a hot [cup of] tea. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Polish)

on (DAY/DATE)

A1 used to show the day or date when something happens

Dictionary examples:

Some of the stores aren't open on Sundays.

What are you doing on Friday?

My birthday's on the 30th of May.

Learner example:

Dinner will be on Friday at 7:00. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Polish)

on (CONNECTED)

A1 covering, touching, attached to or hanging from something

Dictionary examples:

You've got blood on your shirt.

Which finger do you wear your ring on?

We could hang this picture on the wall next to the door.

Dogs should be kept on a leash at all times.

Learner example:

I like my bedroom, because there are [a] lot of windows, two armchair[s], a lamp next to the bed, a table under the window, [and] some pictures on the wall. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Arabic)

on (DIRECTIONS)

A2 used to refer to a place when giving directions

Dictionary examples:

Our house is the first on the left after the post office.

Turn right on Broadway.

Learner example:

My house is the first one on the left. (Skills for Life (Entry 2); A2; Slovak)

on (TRAVEL)

A2 used for showing some methods of traveling

Dictionary examples:

He called to say he's on the bus and will be here in a few minutes.

She'll be arriving on the five-thirty train.

We went to France on the ferry.

Learner example:

I will travel on a train and then I will take [a] taxi to your home. (Key English Test; A2; Tamil)

on (PLACE)

A2 in a particular place

Dictionary examples:

the diagram on page 22

They lived on a farm.

Learner example:

I live on a farm in the Emmental. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Swiss German)

on (RECORDING)

A2 used to show the way in which something is recorded or broadcast

Dictionary examples:

What's on television tonight?

When's that movie coming out on DVD?

Learner example:

I watched ice hockey on cable TV at night. (Key English Test; A2; Czech)

on (TIME/MONEY)

A2 used to show what money or time is used for

Dictionary examples:

She refuses to spend more than $30 on a pair of shoes.

I've wasted too much time on this already.

Learner example:

I love it and I spend all my time on it. (Key English Test; A2; Greek)

on foot

A2 walking

Dictionary example:

Are you going by bicycle or on foot?

Learner example:

It isn't far away from the main building [-] it's about 15 minutes on foot. (Key English Test; A2; Turkish)

on sale

A2 available at a reduced price

Dictionary example:

I love that dress but I'm waiting until it's on sale before I buy it.

Learner example:

I bought a nice t-shirt and a pair of shorts. I bought them because they're comfortable and cheap: they were on sale. I spent 15€. (Key English Test; A2; Italian)

on sale

B1 available to buy in stores, on the Internet, etc.

Dictionary examples:

The video and book are now on sale.

Tickets went on sale yesterday.

Learner example:

I went window shopping with my friends yesterday and I saw this beautiful skirt on sale. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Malay)

on (ABOUT)

B1 about

Dictionary examples:

a book on plants

Her thesis is on Italian women's literature.

Learner example:

The other one is a book on dogs and cats. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

on (NEXT TO)

B1 next to or along the side of a place or area

Dictionary examples:

New York is on the Hudson River.

Our house was on Sturton Street.

Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany.

Learner example:

Remember our meeting is in the Golden Crown, next to the tall building on 67th street. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

on (USING)

B1 using something

Dictionary examples:

I do all my bookkeeping on the computer.

That's Chris on drums and Mike on guitar.

I'm on the phone.

Learner example:

I was in the pizza shop to order some food for my family and I was on the phone. (Skills for Life (Entry 3); B1; Farsi)

on board

B1 on a boat, train, aircraft, etc.

Dictionary example:

There were 230 people on board the plane.

Learner example:

I was all the more excited as it was the first time I have been on board such a big boat. (First Certificate in English; B2; Danish)

on fire

B1 If something is on fire, it is burning when it should not be.

Dictionary example:

If your home was on fire and you could save only one thing, what would it be?

Learner example:

A lot of bu[i]ldings were on fire. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

on purpose

B1 intentionally

Dictionary example:

I didn't do it on purpose, it was an accident.

Learner example:

I didn't do it on purpose; it was dark and I just walked into it. (First Certificate in English; B2; Italian)

on time

B1 not early or late

Dictionary example:

I got to school on time.

Learner example:

So, I will not be on time for my English class tomorrow. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Arabic)

on display ()

B1 If something is on display, it is there for people to look at.

Dictionary example:

Many old airplanes are on display in the museum.

Learner example:

There were some new musical instruments on display. (First Certificate in English; B2; Chinese)

on the whole

B1 generally

Dictionary example:

We've had a few problems, but on the whole we're very happy.

Learner example:

On the whole I don't like watching television. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

(all) on your own

B1 alone

Dictionary example:

I like living on my own.

Learner example:

On Wedn[e]sday morning I went on my own to see [the] Vatican. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Czech)

(all) on your own

B1 without any help

Dictionary example:

Ryan can't get into his shirt on his own - he's just a baby!

Learner example:

Maybe I can do the missing work on my own. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

on (TOUCH/HIT)

B2 used to show what happens as a result of touching or hitting against something

Dictionary examples:

You'll cut yourself on that knife if you're not careful.

I hit my head on the shelf as I was standing up.

Learner example:

Suddenly I hit my head on the bed as the man was talking. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

on (FOOD/FUEL)

B2 used to show something which is used as food or fuel

Dictionary examples:

What do frogs live on?

Does this radio run on batteries?

Learner example:

All new cars run on unleaded fuel w[h]ich is a benefit to the environment. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

on behalf of sb or on sb's behalf

B2 If you do something on behalf of someone, you do it for them or instead of them.

Dictionary examples:

On behalf of the entire company, I would like to thank you for all your work.

Unfortunately, George cannot be with us today so I am pleased to accept this award on his behalf.

Learner example:

I am writing on behalf of our college English club members to welcome you [to] our city. (First Certificate in English; B2; Catalan)

on balance ()

B2 used to give your opinion after you have considered all the facts about something

Dictionary example:

On balance, I'd rather go straight home.

Learner example:

On balance, I think that getting to work by bike offers more advantages than going by car, most of all for traffic and [the] environment. (First Certificate in English; B2; Italian)

on (the) condition that

B2 only if

Dictionary example:

I'll go with you on the condition that we get back before midnight.

Learner example:

I would like to do this on condition that you will not mention my name [on] the website. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

on duty ()

B2 If someone such as a doctor or a soldier is on duty, they are working.

Dictionary example:

What time are you on duty tomorrow?

Learner example:

I was on duty in front of the major's house with another soldier. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

on top of sth

B2 in addition to something else

Dictionary examples:

He tripped and hurt his back, and on top of that, he lost his cell phone.

And then, on top of everything else, her car was stolen!

Learner example:

When I turned around, I saw that it [had] rained in almost every part of the room and on top of that, there were some bab[y] wolves with their mother, sleeping on the bed. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

on the one hand . . . on the other hand

B2 used when you are comparing two different ideas or opinions

Dictionary example:

On the one hand, computer games develop many skills, but on the other, they mean kids don't get enough exercise.

Learner example:

On the one hand, I know from my experience that it's much easier in life if you know more about everything, but on the other hand, I'd say that if someone [had given] me a chance (when I was kid) to study what I enjoy[ed], probably I'd have more possibility to develop my skills. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

be on a committee/panel, etc.

C1 to be a member of a group or organization

Dictionary examples:

She's on the refreshments committee.

How many people are on your staff?

There are 14 people on the Board of Trustees.

Learner example:

As I am the student represen[ta]tive on the committee, I would like to suggest some ideas. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Danish)

on the air

C1 played on television or radio

Dictionary example:

His show is on the air from 11:00 to 11:30 Monday through Thursday.

Learner example:

As you can see, it’s probably the first chance to learn good English on T.V. Another surprising thing is that it's not on the air too late, so you can watch it without oversleeping in the morning. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Portuguese)

be on the ball

C1 to be quick to understand and react to things

Dictionary example:

She's over ninety, but she's still on the ball.

Learner example:

When you're at Sants station, you'll need to be on the ball. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Spanish)

on the basis of sth

C1 as the result of something

Dictionary example:

Grades are awarded on the basis of progress and performance.

Learner example:

On the basis of the points mentioned above, it is a foregone conclusion that young people do not face any severe problems. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

on the grounds of/that

C1 because of a particular reason

Dictionary examples:

You cannot discriminate on the grounds of religion.

I refused on the grounds that it was too risky.

Learner example:

I am convinced that it is better than Southside College on the grounds that a great mass of students are satisfied. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

on hold

C1 If a plan or activity is on hold, it will not be done until a later time.

Dictionary example:

The project is on hold until we raise more money.

Learner example:

What's more, it might, intentional[l]y or not, raise awareness on issues that might have been put on hold by authorities, such as the legalization of soft drugs. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Portuguese)

on hold

C1 waiting to speak to someone on the telephone

Dictionary example:

His secretary put me on hold.

Learner example:

The day after, I called your office and after being put on hold, the person answering the phone was unwilling to come up with a proper reply. (International English Language Testing System; C1; Dutch)

on the horizon

C1 likely to happen soon

Dictionary example:

Economic recovery is on the horizon.

Learner example:

Often this is justified as [a] result of society being collective[ly] afraid that a shortage of fuel is on the horizon. (International English Language Testing System; C1; Portuguese)

on the increase

C1 If something is on the increase, it is happening more often.

Dictionary example:

Homelessness is on the increase in many cities.

Learner example:

[The] number of motorists is on the increase everywhere in the world. (International English Language Testing System; C1; Czech)

on the job

C1 at the place where you work, or while you work

Dictionary examples:

She's only had two years on the job and has been promoted already.

He keeps falling asleep on the job.

Learner example:

Not managing on the job wouldn't just have been your failure, but also [your] employer's, who had trusted you. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Russian)

on loan

C1 If something is on loan, someone is borrowing it.

Dictionary example:

Both paintings are on loan from the city museum.

Learner example:

For example, you can always take out on loan any video you like from our center. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Russian)

on location

C1 If a film or television program is made on location, it is made at a place suitable to the story.

Dictionary example:

The movie was shot on location in Kenya.

Learner example:

We can't help mentioning the nice shots on location. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; French)

on the road

C1 driving or traveling, usually over a long distance

Dictionary example:

We'd been on the road for 4 hours so we stopped to stretch and have a snack.

Learner example:

I have experienced sitting behind a steering wheel on the road for many years. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Thai)

on track

C1 making progress and likely to succeed

Dictionary examples:

A fighter from Edinburgh is on track to become world heavyweight boxing champion.

We've got a lot of work to do but we're on the right track.

Learner example:

The sales teams are well on track and bringing [in] new customers every day. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; German)

on show

C1 being shown to the public

Dictionary example:

Her designs are currently on show at the Museum of Modern Art.

Learner example:

One of the facilit[ies] that really make[s] a difference is the Art Gallery, with its great exhibition on show, as well as the Art Library. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Romanian)

on the side

C1 A food served on the side is served separate from the other foods.

Dictionary example:

I’ll have the salad with the dressing on the side.

Learner example:

A common meal in my country will include soup and rice, a main dish is usually served with beans on the side and corn tortillas, all this is full of vitamins and calcium. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Spanish)

on site

C1 inside a factory, office building, etc.

Dictionary examples:

There are two restaurants on site.

They provide on-site childcare facilities for employees.

Learner example:

A small period of training on site is required a few days before the beginning of the job itself and how many interesting people you will meet! (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; French)

be on the verge of sth

C2 to be about to happen or be done very soon

Dictionary example:

The company is on the verge of financial disaster.

Learner example:

I was on the verge of depression, when I decided to take the control of my own life. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

have/carry sth on you

C2 to have something with you

Dictionary examples:

I don’t have my driver’s license on me.

Do you have any money on you?

Learner example:

Make sure you have some cash in smaller bills on you, so you won't have problems paying for the ride. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)

be on cloud nine

C2 to be extremely happy and excited

Dictionary example:

When I heard I got the job, I was on cloud nine!

Learner example:

But now, after the promise in which both said "yes," she was on cloud nine. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)

on the dot

C2 at that exact time

Dictionary example:

We have to leave at 7:30 on the dot.

Learner example:

He gave him an address and told him to be there at six on the dot. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

be on edge

C2 to be nervous or worried

Dictionary example:

Sorry for shouting - I'm a little on edge today.

Learner example:

I was consequently on edge all the time and was not able to have fun as much as the others did. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

on the face of it

C2 used when you are describing how a situation seems on the surface

Dictionary example:

On the face of it, this seems like a bargain, but I bet there are hidden costs.

Learner example:

On the face of it, both sides have valid arguments, and it's a difficult balancing act to manage. (International English Language Testing System; C2; Urdu)

be on (your) guard

C2 to be ready to deal with something difficult that might happen

Dictionary example:

Companies were warned to be on their guard for suspicious packages.

Learner example:

However, we should be on guard, so as not to let the things escape our control. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

on hand

C2 near to someone or something, and ready to help or be used when necessary

Dictionary example:

Extra supplies will be on hand, in case they are needed.

Learner example:

From their point of view, they can always have you on hand whenever they need help, which is the most important part in their formative years. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Japanese)

on impulse

C2 suddenly and without thinking first

Dictionary example:

I tend to act on impulse.

Learner example:

I'm seeing Milly as a capricious girl who, like most teenagers, enjoy[s] buying, although I think that she buys on impulse. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Catalan)

(be) on the line

C2 If someone's job, reputation, life, etc., is on the line, they may lose it.

Dictionary example:

If we don't win the contract, all our jobs are on the line.

Learner example:

The person who hopes to achieve success shouldn't be afraid of taking risks and sometimes putting his or her career on the line for the sake of gaining much bigger benefits. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Polish)

on the spur of the moment

C2 If you do something on the spur of the moment, you do it suddenly, without planning it.

Dictionary example:

On the spur of the moment we decided to go to London for the day.

Learner example:

In reality, many people buy things on the spur of the moment only to discover later that they, in fact, do not [meet] their expect[at]ions. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Russian)

on occasion

C2 sometimes, but not often

Dictionary example:

He has, on occasion, told a small lie.

on the part of sb; on sb's part

C2 done or experienced by someone

Dictionary examples:

This is a major sacrifice on the part of the unions.

The accident was caused by carelessness on the instructor's part.

Learner example:

It seems that international sports competitions have always tended to attract a great amount of interest on the part of the media and have consistently been popular with sports fans the world over. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Bulgarian)

be on good/bad/friendly, etc. terms

C2 to have a good/bad, etc. relationship with someone

Dictionary example:

I'm still on friendly terms with my old colleagues.

Learner example:

The fact that they both live alone requires them to be on good terms with the rest of us. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

be on the same wavelength

C2 If two people are on the same wavelength, they have the same way of thinking and it is easy for them to understand each other.

Dictionary example:

We chatted occasionally, but I never really felt we were on the same wavelength.

Learner example:

We were on the same wavelength and we therefore started our own research. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; French)

be on the brink of sth

C2 to be in a situation where something bad is going to happen very soon

Dictionary example:

The two countries are on the brink of war.

Learner example:

By the end of the 21st century, Earth was on the brink of destruction. The atmosphere was polluted, the seas were poisoned, the animals were just a distant memory. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

on the side

C2 in addition to your main job

Dictionary example:

She does some freelance work on the side.

Learner example:

At work, they gave her the worst jobs to do. She knew she didn't have much choice but she still tried to find something else on the side. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; French)

on the spot

C2 immediately

Dictionary example:

I accepted the job on the spot.

Learner example:

And when it was Meredith's turn to tell her about her impending wedding, she felt she was going to have a heart attack on the spot. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

on · adverb

/ɔːn/

on (WEAR)

A2 If you have something on, you are wearing it.

Dictionary examples:

She has on a black coat.

Why don't you put your new dress on?

Learner example:

And I want you to put on some baggy clothes, so that you'll feel comfortable while working. (Key English Test; A2; Rajasthani)

on (MOVEMENT/POSITION)

B1 into a bus, train, plane, etc. or onto a horse

Dictionary examples:

It’s time to get on the bus.

The train suddenly started moving as I was stepping on.

on (HAPPENING)

B2 happening or planned

Dictionary examples:

I'm busy this afternoon, but I don't have anything on tomorrow.

Do you know what's on at the movies?

Is the party still on for tomorrow?

on (WORKING)

B2 working or being used

Dictionary example:

The heating has been on all day.

Learner example:

For example, the staff shouldn't leave the lights [on] and the heating's on when they don't need to use it. (Skills for Life (Level 1); B2; Arabic)

on (PERFORMING)

C2 performing

Dictionary examples:

Hurry up with the make-up - I'm on in ten minutes.

The audience cheered as the band came on.

Learner example:

My faith in youth started to fade but then a boy named Josh came on. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Swedish)

on (MOVING FORWARD)

B2 in a way which results in forward movement

Dictionary examples:

You continue on and I'll catch up.

Move on, please, and let the ambulance through.

Learner example:

I had just got[ten] [o]n the subway when it stopped and didn't move on. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)